Maxime Roussel has taken over as manager and owner of the new Elvstrøm Sails sail loft at Pornic on the French Atlantic coast.
Maxime Roussel, an engineer by training, arrives at the loft with experience in both sailing and kitesurfing.
After 15 years of kitesurfing, he turned to crewed regattas – both IRC and Osiris – and he also participates in offshore races such as the Armen Race and Rolex Fastnet Race.
“I’ve been passionate about sailing and the sea for many years, and two years ago, I left my engineering job to pursue my passion by joining the sail loft I now own,” said Maxime.
“When I was considering taking over the business, I also knew that Tolga and Elvstrøm Sails France wanted to strengthen their presence in this region—and we reached an agreement. And here we are today.”
Two years ago, I left my engineering job to pursue my passion by joining the sail loft I now own.
Maxime Roussel
He will divide his time between business development, company management, design, on-site work at the port for assembly, disassembly, and taking measurements, as well as working on the shop floor.
“My ambition for the sail loft is to strengthen the brand’s presence here in Pornic and more broadly throughout the region,” said Maxime.
“Elvstrøm Sails is a recognised brand in France, but, as is often the case, sailors need to see and touch the products and have a local contact.
“The sail loft already has a solid foothold in Pornic, and I would like to develop our presence in neighboring ports and provide more services and facilities to both recreational and competitive sailors.”
